Washer and dryer store with delivery

Run a small local shop selling new, open-box and used washers and dryers, with delivery and hookup.

Startup cost$45k to $150k
Monthly revenue$8k to $40k
Time needed35+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • $45k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

5,433 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.4% in a year

NAICS 443141 “Household appliance stores”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

A small storefront or showroom unit selling laundry machines to local households and landlords. You can stock open-box, scratch-and-dent and reconditioned units alongside new ones, and offer delivery, installation and haul-away of the old machine.

Your first three steps

  1. Price out a small retail or flex unit near busy roads and ask local distributors and liquidators about dealer accounts and open-box stock
  2. Form your LLC, get an EIN, and ask your state about a seller's permit or resale certificate so you can buy stock without paying sales tax
  3. Line up a delivery van or partner courier, plus a licensed installer for gas dryer hookups, then list your first machines online and in the window
Who pays

Homeowners, renters replacing a broken machine, landlords furnishing rentals, and movers or property managers buying in bulk.

How it makes money

Margin on each machine sold, plus fees for delivery, installation, haul-away, extended protection plans and accessories like hoses and vent kits.

Skills that help
  • Friendly, honest selling
  • Basic knowledge of washer and dryer types
  • Managing stock and suppliers
  • Handling heavy items safely
Watch out for
  • Startup costs add up quickly: stock of roughly 30-60 machines, lease deposit and fit-out, a used delivery van, a dolly and straps, and insurance. A leaner start with fewer machines, used stock only or a partner courier sits at the low end
  • General liability insurance, plus commercial auto cover for the delivery van
  • Sales tax registration and collection rules in your state
  • Gas dryer hookups may need a licensed plumber or gas fitter, check your state and local rules
  • Workers' compensation insurance once you hire helpers, and the risk of back injuries from lifting
  • Whether your state or city has rules for selling used or reconditioned appliances and for old machine disposal
  • Returns and warranty claims on used units, so set clear written terms

Deep research report · US

Everything you need to start: washer and dryer store with delivery

Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to open a washer and dryer store?

Startup costs are typically around $45,000 to $150,000, depending on how many machines you stock, your lease deposit and fit-out, a delivery van and insurance. A leaner start with fewer machines or used stock sits at the low end.

How much can a washer and dryer store make?

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on stock, location, your mix of new and used units, and delivery and hookup work. Expect to work around 35 hours a week or more.

What rules should I check before selling washers and dryers?

Check sales tax registration in your state, general liability and commercial auto insurance, and whether gas dryer hookups need a licensed professional. Also check rules on selling used appliances and old machine disposal, and set clear warranty terms.

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